Welcome to episode three of the Buckle Up Podcast, An Ultrarunning Conversation. In this episode, our guest is Melissa Perez.

Melissa Perez, a dedicated ultramarathoner hailing from central California, has been participating in ultramarathons since 2019. She has achieved notable finishes at events such as Sean O’Brien 50m, Leonna Divide 100k, Born to Run ultras, and Kodiak 100m. In 2023, Melissa accomplished the Leadville 100 and Moab 240 just 7 weeks apart. Apart from her impressive athletic feats, Melissa is the proud owner of La Direction, where she coaches endurance athletes to reach their aspirations. Additionally, she has established a supportive community called Chingonas on the Run, aimed at empowering female athletes from various backgrounds. Melissa passionately discusses the unique challenges faced by women of diverse backgrounds in the realm of sports.

Additionally, we delve into topics like post-event recovery, the importance of socks and foot care, and address queries from athletes in the Coaches Corner. Thanks for listening!